An olive branch?

Pakistan's ruling coalition moved toward reconciliation over the weekend after tensions escalated following recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. The PPP, which suffered electoral losses, has alleged rigging and administrative meddling. PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif told his party convention in Murree that political rivals should not let differences turn to animosity—a clear gesture toward coalition partner the PPP. Sharif expressed goodwill, even as the PPP's information secretary continued to demand free and fair elections. According to an editorial in Dawn, the olive branch may ease tensions, but it aims only to restore the existing partnership, not to address deeper democratic deficits.

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